Did you know?

Upcoming conferences. More than 600 American Legion Family members attended the National Children & Youth and Americanism Conference last September. Register for the 2016 National Children & Youth Conference, Sept. 16-18, here. Register for the 2016 Combined Americanism Conference, Sept. 23-25, here.

Olympics. The daughter of an American Legion national staff employee is in Rio de Janeiro, representing the United States in the Olympics.

Ashley Spencer, daughter of Demietrus from the Legion’s John H. Geiger Operations Center, earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic track team in the 400-meter hurdles. Ranked No. 5 in the world, Spencer knew she was an Olympic-caliber athlete when she won nationals in the 400-meter as a freshman at the University of Illinois. "I love track and I knew if I worked hard enough becoming an Olympian would be obtainable," Spencer told The American Legion. Spencer credits her success to "God and the amazing support I get from my family," she said. "I have a wonderful coach, trainers, and small circle of friends that are so supportive."

During her time in Rio, "winning Gold would be the ultimate, but for my first Olympic experience I want to feel like I did my best to represent my family and my country," Spencer said. "Whatever the outcome, I made my first Olympic team at the age of 23 and in that I am blessed."